High School Biology : Understanding Stages of Meiosis

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Biology

varsity tutors app store varsity tutors android store

Example Questions

Example Question #41 : Cell Division

What is the final stage of meiosis? 

Possible Answers:

Anaphase II

Metaphase II

Prophase II

Telophase II

Correct answer:

Telophase II

Explanation:

Telophase is the final stage of both meiosis I and meiosis II. So telophase II is the final step of the overall process of meiosis. In telophase II, the daughter cells begin to form, the DNA begins to decondense, the nuclear membrane reforms, and the spindle apparatus breaks down. Cytokinesis is the physical splitting of the cell that follows mitosis/meiosis.   

Example Question #12 : Meiosis

During which phase of meiosis does chromosomal disjunction occur? 

Possible Answers:

Telophase I

Anaphase I

Metaphase I

Cytokinesis

Correct answer:

Anaphase I

Explanation:

Chromosome disjunction is the splitting up of paired of chromosomes. This occurs in anaphase I and anaphase II where the homologous chromosomes split and the sister chromatids split, respectively. Note that improper disjunction (nondisjunction) can be detrimental to the cell.

Example Question #42 : Cell Division

Which of the following best describes the reason for the genetic diversity of gametes?

Possible Answers:

Crossing Over 

None of these

All of these

Independent assortment

Correct answer:

Crossing Over 

Explanation:

Crossing over is the process in Meiosis I in which homologs line up on the metaphase plate and exchange genetic information, which changes the genetic make up of chromosomes. Independent assortment is a principle proposed by Gregory Mendel stating that genes assort independently during gamete formation, which creates genetic diversity. 

Learning Tools by Varsity Tutors